exorbitant expense

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exorbitant expense" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a cost that is unreasonably high or excessive. Example: "The exorbitant expense of the new software license left the company struggling to balance its budget."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Many airport hotels also offer parking packages, aimed at travelers hoping to save on another exorbitant expense: airport parking lots.

The New York Times - Travel

Wouldn't we have more clout banding together not only to support research into prevention, detection and cure but also to counter the exorbitant expense of treatment?

The New York Times

Many of the underground systems are needed, but some are being built in cities that are too small to justify the exorbitant expense.

The Economist

In 2000, balking at the exorbitant expense of pursuing the case in Austria, where costs are calibrated according to the value of the assets at issue, they successfully filed suit in California against the Austrian government, which appealed the ruling.

The New York Times - Arts

The fund collects no exorbitant expense ratio for this accomplishment: Its annual expense ratio of $1.10 per $100 of assets is below average.

Forbes

His U.S.-registered fund, however, has only $50 million in assets and, as is common for all GAM funds, an exorbitant expense ratio: 2.3%.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

On Feb. 6, they proposed an investigation into reports of exorbitant expenses at the Bureau of Alcohol , Tobacco Firearms and Explosives.

The New York Times

With its ruling at a closed-door meeting on Thursday, the committee sought to end one of the mini-dramas in the saga of "Spider-Man," a show that cost more than twice as much as any in Broadway history and which became a national punch line for its exorbitant expenses, its string of cast injuries and its seemingly endless period of preview performances.

The New York Times

The Long Island Power Authority, which came under scathing criticism after its hobbled response to Hurricane Sandy, is facing new scrutiny after a commission found evidence of "highly questionable" billing practices and "exorbitant" expenses charged by a consultancy that was deeply involved in the authority's business, according to a state report released Saturday.

The New York Times

American International Group, the insurance giant that recently received a government bailout package, announced in a statement last month that it was canceling more than 160 conferences and events after a "candid discussion" with Andrew M. Cuomo, New York's attorney general, who "laid out his serious concerns regarding executive compensation issues and exorbitant expenses at A.I.G".

The New York Times

Radiologists often have a hard time classifying mammography mass lesions which leads to unnecessary breast biopsies to remove suspicions and this ends up adding exorbitant expenses to an already burdened patient and health care system.

Computer Methods and Programs in Biomedicine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "exorbitant expense" when you want to emphasize that a cost is not only high but also unreasonable and excessive. It's particularly effective in contexts where there's a sense of outrage or injustice regarding the price.

Common error

Avoid using "exorbitant expense" in casual conversation or informal writing. It's a relatively formal phrase that can sound out of place if a simpler term like "high price" or "rip-off" would suffice.

Linguistic Context

"Exorbitant expense" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It describes something whose cost is excessively high and often viewed as unfair or unreasonable. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and used to describe an unreasonably high or excessive cost.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

12.5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

12.5%

Academia

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "exorbitant expense" is a noun phrase used to describe a cost that is excessively high and typically considered unfair or unreasonable. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English. While not as common as simpler alternatives like "high cost", it carries a stronger connotation of disapproval and is often found in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, be mindful of the formality of the situation and consider whether a simpler term might be more appropriate. Understanding its nuances allows for more precise and impactful communication regarding financial burdens and pricing concerns.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

excessive expenditure

Focuses on the idea of spending too much, highlighting the excess rather than the inherent price.

prohibitive cost

Emphasizes that the cost is so high it prevents purchase or action.

astronomical price

Uses a metaphor to indicate an extremely high and unreasonable price.

unreasonable fee

Focuses on the unfairness of the cost, implying it's not justified.

inflated charge

Suggests the price has been artificially increased.

crippling cost

Highlights the damaging effect of the high cost.

massive outlay

Focuses on the large amount of money spent or invested.

substantial investment

Emphasizes the significant amount of money required, particularly in a business context.

premium price

Indicates a higher price point, usually for superior quality or exclusivity.

unjustifiable expense

Questions the legitimacy or validity of the cost.

FAQs

How can I use "exorbitant expense" in a sentence?

You can use "exorbitant expense" to describe costs that are unreasonably high. For example, "The "exorbitant expense" of healthcare is a major concern for many families".

What are some alternatives to "exorbitant expense"?

Alternatives include "excessive expenditure", "prohibitive cost", or "astronomical price", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "exorbitant expense" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "exorbitant expense" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing financial matters, economic issues, or policy debates. It conveys a sense of strong disapproval of high costs.

What's the difference between "exorbitant expense" and "high cost"?

"Exorbitant expense" implies that the cost is not only high but also unfair or unjustified, while "high cost" simply indicates that something is expensive. "Exorbitant expense" carries a stronger negative connotation.